Automotive vehicle



wromonvs VEHICLE Filed D60. 2, 1944 7 Sheets-Sheet m T. m m

Emma 6! H005 mi. 28, 1948. D. G. R005 2,457,400

AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE Filed D60. 2, 1944 I '2 Sheets-Shoat 2 INVENTOR..UE'LMAR 5'. 0175 'DecQ 28, 1948. D. cs. Roos AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE FiledDec. 2. 1944 '7. Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

'Aromv .FEZMAR 511-1 005- .0 m6 mw Dec. 28, 005 2,457,40Q

' AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE Filed Dec. 2, 1944 7 Sheets-Sheet 5- IN V EN TOR.DELMAH 5.17005 Ila-5- v 159 Y i v/pyfifiwa gymt A TTORNE Patented Dec.28, 1948 uNi'rE res PATENT or ies AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE Delmar G. Boos,Toledo, Ohio, assignor to Willys- Overland Motors, Inc., Toledo, Ohio,at corporation of Delaware Application December 2, 1944, Serial No.566,309

8 Claims. i

An object of the invention is the provision oflight-weight vehicle inwhich the engine or prime mover is disposed beneath the body and wherenthe four wheels of the vehicle are driven from the engine.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a simple and compactfour wheel drive arrangement wherein pneumatic tires of the low pressuretype provide the means for absorbing the shock of road irregularities. 2

Another object of the invention resides in a novel steering arrangementand control whereby steering may be effected through all four wheels.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a self-propelledvehicle of light weight yet of sufficient strength and rigidity totransport a load of greater weight than that of the vehicle per se, thevehicle being of a character which may be readily transported inaircraft and capable of being plummeted or parachuted to the ground fromaircraft in flight. I Still another object is the provision of a vehicleof light Weight provided with a body construction having a substantiallyuniplanar load supporting surface for ready adaptation in carryingsupplies, cargo or passengers.

Further objects and advantages are Within the scope of this inventionsuch as relate to themrangement, operation and function of the relatedelements of the structure, to various details of construction and tocombinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufactureand numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration ofthe specification and drawing of a form of the invention, whichmay bepreferred incwhich:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view illustrating a form of vehicle of myinvention; I

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the vehicle shown in Figure 1;

. 2 Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through the rearportion of the vehicle;

Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the vehicle;

Figure 6 is a rear elevational view of the vehicle;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the vehicle with the body or platformremoved;

Figure 8 is a transverse detail sectional view through the body,- thesection being taken substantially'on the line 8-8 of Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on the line 9-9of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a sectional view through the transmission gearing,the'section being taken substant'ially' on the line ill-ill of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a vertical detail sectional view through one of the frontwheels, the section being taken substantially on the line llll of Figure7;

Figure 12 is a top plan view of the wheel supporting means illustratedin Figure 11, the wheel being shown in section;

Figure 13 is a top plan view of the forward portion of the vehicleillustrating a modified arrangementof vehicle controls;

Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the construction shown in Figure'13;

Figure 15 is a-front elevational view of a brake operating constructionas embodied in the construction shown in Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the brake operating mechanismshown in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is an isometric view illustrating an arrangement of brakemechanism incorporated in the vehicle.

While have illustrated the vehicle of my invention as especially adaptedfor transporting cargo having particular adaptability for military use,I contemplate its utilization for transporting or carrying passengers orfor any other uses for which-it may be found to be suitable.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the construction is inclusive of aframe or sub structure Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectionalview through the forward portion of the vehicle;

formed of parallel tubular members in and H which are respectivelyconnected at their forward extremities to members or housings l2 and isthrough the medium of flanges M and IS, the latter being welded to theends of the tubes Ill and ii and bolted to housings i2 and 13. Thehousings i2 and 13 are secured tothe extremities of a transverselyextending intermediate housing H, the housings l2, l3 and I1 enclosingdrive gearing hereinafter to be described. Welded or otherwise securedto the rear ends of the tubes guano In and H are flanges 2B and H forconnecting or securing the tubes to housings 22 p and 23,

the same being generally of the same configuration as housings l2 andI3. Positioned intermediate housings 22 and 23 and secured thereto, isanother housing 24 which is adapted to enclose power transmission changespeed gearing (to be hereinafter described) as well as mechanism fordriving the rear wheels of the vehicle. The transmission housing 24 isformed with a flange 25 to which is bolted a clutch housing or enclosure26 to which is secured the crankcase 21 of a prime mover or engine 28.

The engine or prime mover 28 illustrated is the twin cylinder air cooledtype in which the cylinders are arranged in horizontal opposed relationand which extend laterally from the crank case 21. The engine issubstantially enclosed in a sheet metal shroud 29, the latter beingformed at its rear portion with an annular opening 80 through which airmay pass through the shroud, a protective mesh or grill work 3| beingdisposed adjacent the openings. Positioned adjacent the opening 30 andwithin the shroud 29 is a fan (not shown) driven by the engine forcirculating air through the shroud and around the engine cylinders tocool the latter. The crank case 21 of the engine is bolted to the clutchhousing 28, and in addition added support for the engineand shroud isprovided by a bracket 32 which is secured to the body or platformconstruction of the vehicle.

The engine cylinders are provided with individual carburetors 34 and 35,each carburetor being provided with an air filter or cleaner 36 and 31.The exhaust system for the engine is inclusive of exhaust pipes or ducts38 and 39 which are joined together and convey exhaust gases from theengine to a mufller or silencer 40, the latter being provided with anoutlet 44 open to the atmosphere.

A throttle control cable 43 is connected to the valve mechanism of thecarburetors 84 and to regulate or control the fuel mixture supplied tothe engine, the cable being contained within a flexible sheath 44 whichterminates adjacent the forward portion of the vehicle and isoperatively connected to means for actuating the same which will behereinafter described. The carbuwith the engine flywheel (not shown)which is actuated by means of a flexible cable 41 at the extremity ofwhich is a manipulating handle 48 disposed adjacent a rear corner of thevehicle.

Welded to the tubular frame members l0 and H are upwardly extendingbrackets 49 upon which is mounted a body or load support 50. The bodyconstruction illustrated is of a character particularly adapted to carryor transport cargo and is inclusive of a sheet metal platform 5|generally of a uniplanar construction, the upper surface, however, beingformed with a plurality of transversely extending spaced shallowrecesses 65 for purposes hereinafter explained. The platform 5| is ofrectangular configuration bounded by a flange portion 52 integrallyformed with the platform which depends therefrom, the dependingextremity of flange 52 being conflgurated as at 53 to embrace areinforcing wire or bar 54. Peripherally arranged beneath the platformis a 76 seat back and foot rest assemblies may be readily reinforcingstrip or member 55 having projecting flange portions 56 and 57 which arewelded respectively to the uniplanar portion of the platform 5| and thedepending flange portion 52 thereof.

The platform or body is reinforced by means of U-shaped channel members58 and 59 extending longitudinally of the platform and being weldedthereto as at 50 shown in Figure 8. The platform construction, adjacentthe engine, is reinforced by means of U-shaped channels or members GIand 52, 53 and 84 which are welded to the platform 50 and are joinedtogether by means of a flttingBl welded to the adjacent extremities ofthe diagonally arranged channels and to the platform 58. The rearportion of the platform is reinforced by means of a transverselyextending U-shaped channel 58 as shown in Figure 4. Welded to the tubel0 and extending laterally therefrom are brackets 18 providing asupporting means for a fuel supply or gasoline tank H, the latter beingsecured to the brackets 10 by means of metal straps 12. The fuel supplytank H is provided with a filler cap 13 which is positioned beneath acircular opening formed in the platform 50. A cover 15 is hingedlysupported upon the platform and normally covers or encloses the openingin the platform. By this arrangement ready access to the fuel tank maybe had by opening the cover '15 and removing flller cap 73 in order tointroduce fuel into the tank II.

Welded to the frame tube II and extending laterally therefrom is a pairof brackets 16 which support a tool box or receptacle Ti. The rearportion of the body or platform 50 is formed with a substantiallyrectangular opening which is normally closed by means of a hinged coverwhich may be swung to open position for access to the engine.

Means are provided for securing cargo or load to the body whichisinclusive of a plurality or series of rings or loops 8| which aredisposed within the recesses 65 formed in the upper surface of theplatform 5|. Each of the rings BI is secured in a recess by means of aclip 82 secured to the platform by means of rivets 83. It should benoted from Figure 8 that the rings 8| are capable of swiveling movementabout the mid portions of their respective securing or retaining clips82. By this means, when the cargo is removed from the body or platformeach of the rings 8! may be pivotally swung into parallelism with theupper surface of the recess within which it is positioned, and therebyeliminate projections extending upwardly from the upper surface planeformed by the ridges or embossed portions 58. The rings 81 provide ameans to receive straps or cables (not shown) for lashing or securingcargo to the platform.

Adjacent the forward left hand portion of the platform 58 there isprovided longitudinally extending channel shaped members 84 and' 85welded to the lower surface of the platform. Welded to the channelmembers 84 and 85 are threaded elements 88 which are adapted to receivebolts 89 for securing a tubular seat back frame 90 to the body. Thetubular frame 90 is provided with transverse bars 9| forming the supportfor a cushioned seat back (not shown). Threaded elements 92 also weldedto channel members 84 and 85 are adapted to receive bolts 94 forsecuring a tubular frame 95 forming a foot rest for the vehicleoperator. By means of this construction,

the bolts 89 and 94 may be removed so that the and quickly disassembledfrom the vehicle for purposes of shipping so that the vehicles may bestored or packed one upon another in a minimum of space. A seat pad I isadapted to be supported by the platform 50 immediately ahead of the seatback 90. The seat pad Is provided, with projections which extend intoclips (not. shown) to hold the seat pad in place.

otherwise secured to a transversely extending strip I09 the latter beingsecured to the reinforcing members 55 and I by means of bolts H0.

The engine is arranged to transmit power for driving all four wheels ofthe vehicle through change speed gearing or transmission mechanism forobtaining several forward speed ratios and reverse. Keyed tothe-extremity of engine shaft II5 is a member II1 which forms a drivingelement of a clutch mechanism. A driven shaft I20, journalled at itsforward end in a bore in theextremity of shaft I I5 and at its rearwardportion upon anti-friction bearings I2I, is splined to receive a drivenmember I22 forming a part of the clutch mechanism. The member II1supports a pressure plate I23 which is actuated by means of springs I24cooperating with levers I25, the latter being in cooperative engagementwith a clutch throwout bearing I28. The clutch may be engaged ordisengaged by movement of the clutch throwout bearing through the mediumof alever I28 connected by cable 21I to a clutch actuating meanshereinafter described. I

The shaft I is in alignment with a splined shaft I3 the latter having atenon portion I3I journalled for rotation on needle bearings carried ina cylindrical recess formed in the end of shaft I20 the other end ofshaft I30 being journalled in ball bearings I32 supported within thehousing 24. Fixedly secured upon the end of shaft I30 is a spur gear I34which is in constant mesh with a driven gear I35 which isfixedly-secured upon a shaft I36 also journalled in the housing 24.Fixed at one end of shaft I36 is a mitre gear I38 whichis in mesh with amitre gear I39, the latter being formed with a hub portion I40. The hubI40 has a central splined opening to receive the splined ends MI and I42of driven shafts I43 and I44.

Disposed within the transmission housing 24 is a countershaft I46 uponwhich is journaled a sleeve I41 upon which is integrally formed toothedgears I48, I49, I50 and I5I. Splined for slidable movement on shaft I30are gears I53 and I54. Shaft I20 is formed at one .end with a gear I55which is in constant mesh with gear I48, so that the sleeve I41 is atall times driven by and through shaft I20 whenever the latter isconnected with the engine through the clutch mechanism. Low gear isobtained by sliding gear I54 into mesh with gear I50; second orintermediate gear is obtained by sliding gear I53 into mesh with gearI49 and high gear being obtained by meshing the teeth or clogs I58 ongear I53 with teeth formed on shaft I20 adjacent gear I55. A reversegear I58 is provided journaled upon a stub shaft I59, gear I59 being inmesh with gear I5I thus constantly rotating the reverse gear I58. Whenit is desired to obtain reverse direction of drive, gear I54 is movedtoward the front of the vehicle as viewed in Figure 10 until the teeththereof mesh with the teeth of the reverse gear I58.

The portion of shaft I38 extending from the housing 24 is provided witha yoke or member :24 forming a part of a universal joint assembly meansof a propeller shaft I to a second universal joint I86, the latter beingconnected to a shaft I61 which is journaled in an extension I98 formedintegrally with the housing I1. The'shaft I81 is provided with a mitregear of the same size and configuration as mitre gear I38 and conveyspower to the front wheels of the vehicle in the same'manner as mitregear I38 (shown in Figure 9) conveys power to the rear wheels of thevehicle. I

As the 'drive arrangement for each wheel and the method of support forthe wheels aretidentical, it will suffice herein to describe one three],its supporting means and drive mechanism therefor as particularly shownin Figures 11 and 12.

, Housing I3 terminates in an enlarged flanged vbolt 204.

portion I10 to which is secured a housing IN by means of a plurality ofbolts I12. Housing I'II has an integral lateral extension I13, the upperand lower portions of which are configurated to receive anti-frictionbearings I14 and I15, the bearings illustrated being of the taperedroller type. The inner races of the bearings I14 and I15 arerespectively connected to stub shafts I11 and I18 which are carried in amember I19. Member I19 houses an anti-friction bearing I preferably ofthe double row ball type upon which is revolubly mounted the hub I82 Ofa wheel supporting member I83. The vehicle wheel I is provided with aninwardly extending flange I85 which is secured to the wheel supportinmember I83 by means of a plurality of bolts I81. The stub shafts I11 andI18, in effect, form a king pin about which the wheel I85 may swivel oris rendered dirigible for steering purposes. Each of the four,wheels ofthe vehicle are mounted in the manner above described.

The shaft I44 which is of the same construction as shaft I44 (see Figure9) carries at its outer end a spur gear I secured to the shaft by meansof a key I9I. A ball bearing I92 is disposed within housing I3 andsupports shaft I44. Gear I90 is in mesh with a larger spur gear I94which is splined upon a shaft I95, the latter being journaled forrotation in tapered roller bearings I98 and I91 mounted respectively inhousing "I and the enlarged portion I10 of housing I3. The outer end ofshaft I95 is provided with an element 200 of a universal jointconstruction 20I preferably of the so-called constant velocity type. Thehub-portion I82 of the wheel support I83 is bored to snugly receive amember 202, the inner end of which is configurated as at 203 to form anelement of the universal joint 20L The member 202 is fixedly secured tothe hub I82 by means of a retaining The lateral extension I13 and memberI19 are formed with annular grooves 205 and 206 to receive a flexibleboot or closure 201 for the purposes of keeping dust and foreign matterout of the universal joint chamber and preventing the leakage oflubricant from the chamber. The closure 201 is held in position by meansof snap. rings 209 and 2I0 as particularly shown in Figure 12. It willthus be apparent that the shaft I44 rotates gear I90, and the latterbeing in mesh with gear I94, causes rotation of the uni- The universaljoint I82 is connected by v 7. versal joint 281, wheel support 183 andwheel 186. D g steering or dirigible movements of the-wheels, theuniversal joint units 281 provide for the transmission of power to thewheels to drive the same. I

In the embodiment of my. invention illustrated, the steering of thevehicle is accomplished by coordinated movement of all four wheels. Asshown in Figure 12. each of the members. 119 is formed with a projectingarm 213 to which is connected a tie rod 214 by means of a pin 215. Eachof the tie rods 214 arranged adjacent the front wheels of the vehicleare connected to one arm of a bell crank 216 as shown in Figure 7, thebell crank being pivotally supported as at 215 upon a projection formedon the housing 168. The other arm 213 of the bell crank is connected bymeans of a rod 228 to one arm of a second bell crank 221 which ispivotally supported upon the housing 24. The other arm 222 of the bellcrank 221 is connected .to the inner ends of a second set of tie rods223 which are of the same construction as tie rods 214. The arm 219 ofmember 211 is also connected by means of a rod 225 and clevis 226 to anarm 221 carried upon the lower end of a vertically disposed shaft 229journaled in a-bracket 238 secured to the forward portion of theplatform or body 58. A steering member or arm 235 forms a continuationof shaft 229 being connected thereto by means of a re- Pivotallysupported upon a bracket 261 carried at the forward portion of thevehicle is a 7 lever 262 providing a means for shifting the 236. Thesteering member 235 has a laterally extending portion 238 which isprovided with an independently rotatable hand grip portion 238. Thesteering arm 238 is hollow for the purpose of accommodating a throttleconnection 44 which extends upwardly through the arm 238 and isoperatively connected to the rotatable hand grip 239. Thus the handle239 operates as a throttle control for theiengine through the rotationalmovement of the grip, and as a means for steering the vehicle by.swinging the arm 238 about the axis of shaft 229, the swinging movementcausing corresponding movement of rods .228 and 225, tie rods 214 and223, and hence a swivelling of the four vehicle wheels about the axes ofsets of pins 111 and 118 to control the direction of movement of thevehicle.

Braking means are provided for the vehicle, this means being inclusiveof a disc 242 which is fixed on the shaft 161 of the: universal joint166. The extension 168 of housing 11 is formed with a flanged portion243 which carries a. pair of stationary pins or stub shafts 244.Slidably mounted upon the shafts 244 is a pair of brackets 246 arrangedone on each side of disc 242. Each 248 is connected by means of a clevis258 and a cable 251, which is enclosed in a sheath 252, to an actuating.handle 253 pivoted a'sat 254 upon abracket 255 supported upon thesteering arm 238. Thus relative movement of the actuating resilientlyretain the pawl 386 out'of engagement handle 253 toward the hand grip238 swings the are disposed between the brake slices or brackets 246 tonormally hold the shoes out of engagement with the disc 242.

slidable gears of the transmission mechanism contained within thehousing 24. Rods 264 and 265 extend forwardly from the transmissionhousing 24 and are connected to shiftable members 266 and 261 which arepivotally supported upon a shaft carried by the bracket 261. Bymanipulating the lever 262 in a proper direction and in selectiveengagement with either of the members 266, 261, a series of differentgear ratios may be obtained. Pivotally mounted upon lever 282 is a gripmember 218 which is connected by a cable 211 with the clutch mechanismcontained in the clutch housing 26 so as to disconnect the engine fromthe driven mechanism when the vehicle is at rest or during gear shiftingoperations.

In the modified form of mechanism controls for the vehicle asillustrated in Figures 13 through 16 inclusive, the foot rest frame 95'supports a transversely extending shaft 288 carrying a foot pedal 281which is connected to the clutch mechanism contained within the housing26 through the medium of an arm 282 and a cable 283. In this form ofcontrol, the clutch is manipulated by movement of the foot pedal 281.Welded to the one side frame member of foot rest 95' is a bracket 285which is bored toreceive a transversely extending shaft 286, the latterhaving an upwardly projecting portion terminating in a foot pedal 281 asshown in Figure 13. The pedal 281 is connected through the medium of arod 288 to'the throttle mechanism associated with the carburetors 34 and35 disposed adjacent the engine cylinders, and thus provides a footoperated means or accelerator for regulating the quantity of fuelmixture supplied to the engine.

A modification of brake control means is provided in the form of amanually operated lever 388 pivoted as at 381 upon a bracket 382, thelatter being secured to a member. 383 carried by the forward portion ofthe body or platform 58 by means of bolts 381. The brake rod or cable251 in this form of the invention is connected to the lower extremity ofthe lever 388 through the medium of a pin 385 which also serves as apivotal connection for a locking or retainingpawl 3116. The pawl 386 isconnected to an actuating or pawl rod 389 which extends upwardly throughthe hollow central portion of the lever 388 and terminates exteriorlythereof in a manipulating knobor button 318. A coil spring 311 in thegrip portion312 of the lever normally urges the button 318 toward itsoutermost position and serves to with the serrations 313 formed onbracket 382 to permit unrestricted movement of the lever 388 in order toeffect a setting of the brakes. Thus, the brakes may be set at any timeby merely grasping the grip portion 312 and rotating the lever in acounter-clockwise direction about the pivot 381 as viewed in Figure 16.The lever mechanism is normally used as a service brake actuator. -If itis desired to permanently set the brakes as when the vehicle is parked,it is only necessary to move the lever 388 to'brake setting position anddepress button 318 thus moving the pawl 386 into one of the serrations313 to hold the lever 388 in brake setting position. To effect a releaseof the brake lever, a further slight counterclockwise movement thereoftoward brake setting position releases the pressure between the pawl 386and the serrations wall in engagement therewith so 9 that the expansiveforce of spring 8| I urges button 3i!) and rod 309 upwardly thusdisengaging the pawl locking means from the bracket 302.

It'wlll be apparent from the above description that I have produced anovel vehicle in which the four wheels are driven and are dirigible forsteering purposes, thus enhancing the maneuverability of the vehicle.The vehicle has no differential so that traction is at all times presenton all four tires 240. The tires 2% are of the pneumatic type and areinflated to a very low pressure, for example, only five pounds persquare inch giving several advantages, viz. a highly resilient supportfor the vehicle and a tire of sufficient resiliency to be easilydistorted in rounding curves thus eliminating any need for adifferential mechanism. The vehicle provides a means for carrying a loador burden in excess of the weight of the vehicle per se and as all ofthe wheels are drive wheels the vehicle is enabled to traverse roughterrain.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modificationsand different arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed,and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the inventioncomprehending all variations thereof.

What I claim is:

1. A vehicle of the character disclosed in combination, a pair of spacedfront and rear enclosures a frame including a pair of laterally spacedtubular members rigidly connectingsaid enclosures; a body having asubstantially uniplanar load supporting surface mounted upon saidtubular members; pairs of road wheels arranged beneath said body andadjacent each of said enclosures for supporting the vehicle, at leastone a steering member disposed forwardly of said body; and meansassociated with each of said wheels and connected with said steeringmember whereby steering is effected through all of the drive wheels.

4. A vehicle of the class described in combination, a frame structureincluding a pair of longitudinally extending laterally spaced tubularmembers; enclosures connected at each end of said tubular members; pairsof driving wheels disposed adjacent the forward and rearward ends ofsaid frame structure; a body supported directly upon said frame; anengine disposed beneath said body and rigidly supported upon one of saidenclosures; each of said vehicle wheels being pivotally supportedrendering each of said vehicle wheels dirigible; and driving mechanismarranged in said enclosures and connected with said engine wherebypositive drive connection to each drive wheel is effected withoutdifferential action.

5. In combination, a pair of spaced housings;

means rigidly connecting said housings includpair of road wheels beingpivotally mounted for dirigible movement; an engine disposed beneathsaid body and rearwardly of said rear enclosure; power transmissionmechanism contained within said enclosures for conveying power from saidengine to each of said wheels; and a steering member arranged forwardlyof said body connected to said dirigibly supported road wheels wherebysteering movements may be effected.

2. A vehicle of the character disclosed, in combination; a pair ofspaced housings; a pair of laterally spaced tubular frame membersrigidly connecting said housings; a pair of road wheels arrangedadjacent each of said housings; upwardly extending projections securedto said frame members; a load supporting body mounted upon saidprojections and having a flat load carrying upper surface; one pair ofroad wheels being dirigibly supported; and vehicle steeringmeansincluding a manipulating handle arranged forwardly of said body andoperatively connected to said dirigible road wheels for controlling thedirection of movement of the vehicle.

3. A vehicle of the class described in combination, a frame structure;spaced driving mechanism enclosures forming a part of said framestructure; a pair of laterally spaced tubular members secured to andconnecting said enclosures; pairs ofdriving wheels disposed adjacent theforward and rearward ends of said frame structure; -a body supporteddirectly upon said frame; an engine disposed beneath said body andrigidly supported upon one of said enclosures; each of said vehiclewheels being pivotally supported for dirigible movement; drivingmechanism arranged in said enclosures and connected with said enginewhereby positive drive connection to each drive wheel isefl'ectedwithout difierential action;

ing a pair of laterally spaced tubular members; a pair of road wheelsarranged adjacent each of said housings; power transmission mechanismdisposed in each of said housings for transmitting power to said roadwheels; said power transmitting mechanism including reduction gearingcontained within said housings; means for dirigibly supporting each ofsaid road wheels; an engine rigidly supported upon one of said housings;and means including a variable speed transmission mechanism disposed inthe housing supporting said engine for connecting said engine to thepower transmission mechanism contained Within said housings.

6. A vehicle including undergear comprising a pair of mechanismenclosing housings; laterally spaced tubular frame members connected tosaid I .housings; a plurality of upwardly extending brackets secured tosaid frame members; a load supporting platform fixedly secured directlyupon said brackets; an engine rigidly supported upon one of saidhousings; a pair of road wheels arranged'adjacent each of said housings;one of said pairs of road wheels being dirigibly sup ported; powertransmission gearing contained within said housings for transmittingpower from said engine to said pairs of road wheels; means including ashaft establishing operative connection between the power transmissionmechanisms contained in said housings; a disc carried by said shaft;brake mechanism operatively associated with said disc; a brake actuatinglever pivotally supported upon said body; pawl and ratchet means forsecuring said lever in brake actuating position; a rod connected to saidpawl; said rod and pawl mechanism being so arranged that depression ofsaid rod moves the pawl toward brake setting position, and spring meansfor normally urging said pawl out of engagement with said ratchet.

7. In a vehicle of the character disclosed, a

, pair of spaced main housings; means including a pair of laterallyspaced tubular members rigidly connecting said housings; a bodystructure supported directly upon said tubular members; an enginerigidly connected to one of said housings; supplemental housingsassociated with said main housings; drive shafts insaid main housings;driven shafts in said supplemental housings; gearing connecting saiddrive shafts with said driven shaft; a wheel supporting member pivotallymounted upon each of said supplemental 11 housingsyroad wheels journaledon said members; means including a universal joint connecting each ofsaid driven shafts with said wheels; variable speed transmission gearingconnecting said engine with the main shafts; the shafts and gearing insaid main and supplemental housings for transmitting power to the drivewheels being such that driving is eilected without differential action.

" 8. In a vehicle of the character disclosed. a

. pair of main housings; means including a pair of laterallyspacedtubular members rigidly connecting said housings; a body structuresupported upon said tubular members; an engine rigidly supported uponone of said -housings and dis. posed beneath said body structure;supplemental housings associated with said main housings;

drive shafts in said main housings; driven shafts in saidsupplemental-housings; gearing connecting said drive shafts with saiddrivenshafts: a wheel supporting member pivotaily supported upon each ofsaid supplemental-housings; road wheels journaled onsaid members; meansincluding a universal joint connectingeach 'of said driven shafts to aroad w'heeh'mea'ns for connecting said engine to'said wheel drivingshafts; the shafts and gearing in said main and. supplemental housingstor transmitting-power to the drive wheels being such that driving iseffected without diflerential action.

DELMAR. G. R008.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 940,145 Gray Nov. 16, 19091,123,400 Schwoob Jan. 5, 1915 1,316,918 Nogrady Sept. 23, 19191,323,126 Tolson Nov. 25, 1919 1,340,759 Duncan May 18, 1920 1,349,249Alden Aug. 19, 1920 1,391,899 Schroeder Sept. 27, 1921 1,512,552 RadiesH-. Oct. 21, 1924 1,919,925 Blakeslee July 25, 1933 1,978,974 WilliamsOct. 30, 1934 2,026,283 Madle Dec. 31, 1935 2,107,073 Harrington Feb. 1,1938 2,134,687 Dunham Nov. 1, 1938 2,172,177 Rose Sept. 5, 19392,219,601 Quartullo Oct. 29, 1940 2,252,861 Porsche Aug. 19, 19412,280,157 Mead Apr. 21, 1942 2,305,936 Tjaarda Dec. 22, 1942 2,334,980Allen Nov. 23, 1943 2,349,388 Sturges May 23, 1944 2,356,164 Keese Aug.22, 1944

